Moghalu: I made practical decision not to challenge Buhari in court

THE Presidential candidate for the Young Progressive Party (YPP) in the 2019 general elections, Prof. Kingsley Moghalu, at the weekend said he decided not to challenge the election result that brought President Muhammadu Buhari to power despite the ‘stolen’ votes.

Moghalu said it was not the wisest decision since the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar has already challenged the election result in court.

The ICIR had earlier reported claims by the YPP presidential candidate of the stolen mandate.

He spoke during the launch of a book written by the Bishop of the Niger Diocese, Anambra state, Rev. Dr Owen Nwokolo at Ascension Church, Isiafor, Obosi.

“I did not think it was the best thing to do at that time. The PDP came second at the election, they went to court! I felt that’s okay, also by the time you are not APC, you are not PDP and a small party such as we are, I said our votes were stolen and I stand by it and also said that even if all our votes properly counted, we would not have won the election.

“Nevertheless, the votes were not properly counted but I chose not go to court. It was a simple, practical decision that I made; I didn’t think it was the wisest cause of action at that time.”

The former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Deputy Governor had 21, 866 as against other young candidates Omoyele Sowore from African Action Congress (AAC) and Fela Durotoye of Alliance for New Nigeria who polled 33, 953 and 16, 779 respectively in the 2019 poll.

However, he expressed optimism that the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal would be objective and help promote the nation’s democracy.

Moghalu further advised President Muhammadu Buhari to focus on security and economy while efforts should be made to prevent the country from becoming a failed state.

“This country is moving, drifting into a failed state. With the security situation, we have in Nigeria today, if it is not corrected the fact that the state is failing us is staring us in the face.

“So, it is imperative on the government to perform its number one duty to secure the lives of the citizen of Nigeria and then, the economy.”